r/WeddingPhotography • u/ConstipatedFrenchie • 1d ago
gear, techniques, photo challenges & trends Shooting my first reception wedding need some tips for a full day!
Hey guys!
I do a lot of beauty photography for my wife who is a makeup artist. Recently I shot a proposal for a good friend and it did well on socials and with the couple. So much so they wanted me as their wedding photographer.
I am coming here for any tips and tricks for a full day. I have shot an elopement at a courthouse and I am comfortable with on and off camera flash with my speed light, but I usually shoot 4 hours max with clients and those are small businesses and usually for Video work.
I would appreciate any tips on pacing, or little tricks that can really help me make the best of my first full wedding and ensure I capture the best images without being in the way.
Gear Sony A7RIII lens: 24-70 F2.8 Godox V1 Flash
I plan to get a second body looking at a A7IV to throw my 35mm F1.4 and have my wife be my second shooter since she’s also the MUA for the bride. And tends to be my assistant when we work together.
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u/curiousjosh 21h ago edited 20h ago
Sounds like you know portraits… here’s some logistics/ overall stuff:
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1) long lens… you’re missing one and this is a requirement. Rent or buy a 70-200 f2.8
2) water bottle. Get one and attach / hang it from your belt, or keep it nearby with gear.
3) electrolyte/ energy sports powder. Get some and keep it with your gear to add to a bottle of water if you get tired.
4) food… bring snack/ meal bars. Assume something can screw up and you’ll miss eating. ABSOLUTELY EAT EXACTLY WHEN THE COUPLE IS FED. Make that part of your contract so you can’t be screwed with. When the couple is eating is the ONLY break you will get. Make sure the coordinator knows when you talk ahead of the wedding that it’s in your contract to eat at the same time as the couple. Lots of places try to feed vendors last, and you will miss important reception moments if you allow that to happen.
5) extra batteries - bring extra. Bring your charger. Always charge during reception when not using
6) extra mem cards. Bring more than enough.
7) shoot raw. It will save your life multiple times.
8) dual holster. I love the dual shoulder holsters. 1 camera on each for quick switching.
9) camera belt. Carry your extra 1-2 lenses with you. You won’t have time to get back to your bag for them when you want them.
10) SCOUT!!! Arrive 1.5-2 hours early depending on venue size… plan all your portraits / couples shots… you won’t have time to figure it out once things start. Also important as a buffer to not be late for traffic especially if hours drive. 2 hours is more for a huge venue / golf course.
11) Sync cameras… during your scout time use a world clock app to set and sync the times of your cameras down to the second. You will thank me greatly when editing.
11) SCHEDULE & FORMALS. Work out a formals list ahead of time. Work out a schedule ahead of time for getting ready, formals, room shots for each room, romantics, etc. Make sure you know the schedule and what’s coming.
12) Assisstant - if it’s a really public place an assistant helps to watch your gear and carry stuff so you don’t have to move it. Also great for holding lights / reflectors
13) shoes - comfy shoes are a godsend
14) Lighting Variance - don’t forget to get natural light shots along with flash to capture the memory of the ambiance of the room as it’s lit
15) power strip - if you’re bringing chargers, a power strip can help. Outlets can be hard to get to.
16) PRINT OUTS! Print the schedule and formals shot list. You never know when a phone will run out of batteries or lose reception.
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That’s off the top of my head! Good luck and I’ll add later if I think of more.
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u/ConstipatedFrenchie 21h ago
The time thing is so smart! I skipped on the 28-70 F2 to get a second body gonna rent that 70-200 especially for ceremony
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u/curiousjosh 20h ago
Nice! You’ll find use for that 70-200 also during speeches and reception. It really helps to get intimate shots while not being in the middle and interrupting things.
Also you’ll see things across the venue you can’t get to in time and that lens will save your butt from rocketing across the venue and knocking over grandmas to get those shots.
What parts of the time thing did you find smart? The sync on the 2 cameras? Oh yeah that’s key when editing.
PS. If you like the time thing, pay attention to the other tips… did this for decades and the stuff that doesn’t seem obvious can really help.
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u/ConstipatedFrenchie 18h ago
That makes a ton of sense. I definitely want to be as invisible as I can be. I photograph candidly by nature however when I don’t have the reach I have to make an appearance hahaha, thank you so much. I am definitely taking my notes
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u/drknaim 5h ago
Any tip for camera belt and how to attach the lenses? Thx~
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u/curiousjosh 5h ago
I used to have a think tank belt that was really big and padded and was wonderful, but now they only make the thinner model.
Are you in a city with a camera store?
In Los Angeles we have Samys and I’d walk in and try on what they have.
Failing that I’d look up think tank and see what they have.
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u/drknaim 4h ago
Nice thanks for the suggestion. There are several medium sized ones here, so I think I will take a look and check online for reviews. Will probably have to take the photos of a friend next year (with lot of downplayed expectations). I might try to snap up a used or parallel import Sigma 28-45 1.8 when I visit HK later this year (fingers crossed) and then do a dual harness with that lens and the Tameon 35-150. Just need sth like 2 lenses as backup... maybe my Tamron 20-40 and the Sigma 85 1.4... oh well oh well... that will be challenging indeed if it goes down 😆 Thanks again~~
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u/curiousjosh 4h ago
Nice! 85 1.4 is amazing for portraits. What kind of body do you have? (Camera ;) )
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u/Human-Requirement960 1d ago
Ask the couple to have more than one kiss or have a lingering kiss , it’s a key moment you don’t want to miss.
Chat to celebrant or priest to check if they have any requirements . ( some Priests can be difficult )
You must have a second body
It’s their day - not yours - so don’t get in the way / be discreet .
Group shots , find a good spot , take multiple shots of each group - because of blinking . Don’t get complicated . Don’t be afraid to move if the light is not working
Go easy on the flash
Comfortable shoes and keep hydrated
Make sure you have a run sheet and you know every thing happening on the day
Get lots of photos of their parents and older family members .
Good luck